Regional variability in fecal microbiota transplantation practices: a survey of the Southern Ontario Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Movement.

BACKGROUND

There is growing evidence that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an effective treatment for recurrent infection, but little guidance exists for implementation of FMT programs. The objective of this study is to describe the program characteristics and protocols of 9 planned or operating FMT programs in the Southern Ontario Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (SOFT) Movement, to help guide future FMT program implementation.

METHODS

A 59-item survey was administered electronically to clinical leads of the SOFT Movement on June 2, 2016. The survey evaluated 7 domains: FMT program characteristics, FMT recipients, donor screening/selection, transplant manufacturing, FMT administration, good manufacturing procedures/biosafety procedures and infection-control procedures. We used descriptive statistics to analyze quantitative data.

RESULTS

All 9 programs responded to the survey: 6 were active, 1 had FMT standard operating procedures developed but did not have clinical experience, and 2 were in the process of forming FMT programs. All 6 active programs performed FMT in adult patients with infection. About 1300 FMT procedures were performed between 2003 and 2016. Five of the 6 operating programs administered the preparation via enema. Programs were driven primarily by physicians. All programs used universal FMT donors and followed Health Canada's screening guidelines, with considerable variability in screening frequency (every 3-6 mo) and modality. Locations for transplant preparation and manufacturing protocols varied across programs. Stool mass for FMT ranged from 20 g to 150 g, and transplant volume ranged from 25 mL to 300 mL.

INTERPRETATION

The experience of this high-volume regional FMT network highlights current challenges in FMT program development, including a high reliance on physicians and the costly nature of donor screening. Standardization and optimization through development of regional centres of excellence for FMT donor recruitment and administration should be explored.